REDEFINE INDEPENDENT READING WITH THE Seven Social Teachings Collection
Grades K–6
Good Readers Need Great Classroom Libraries Research shows a direct connection between literacy and success. Fostering a strong culture of intentional independent reading with a robust classroom library is the most effective way to make that connection.
Up to 60%
Students in classrooms with libraries read 50–60% more than students who do not have the same access to books. 1
1 Morrow, 2009; Kim, 2009.
Redefine Independent Reading with the Seven Social Teachings Collection | 1
Build a Library That Reflects Core Values
Introducing the Seven Social Teachings Collection for Grades K–6—a new classroom library aligned to the Seven Themes of Social Teaching . With five books per theme, you can increase reading fluency and comprehension while reinforcing kindness, responsibility, and the dignity of every person.
Enhance the Social Teachings with Relatable Stories for the Classroom
By reading these texts in school and out of the classroom, students learn to build a foundational understanding of human dignity, the right and duty to participate in society, and how they can elevate their own communities.
Why This Collection?
Connects Learning to Real-World Values —Helps students see their role in creating a more just and caring world.
Amplifies Teaching —Reinforces the social teachings while building reading fluency and comprehension.
Fosters a Love for Reading — Encourages students to explore powerful themes through engaging literature.
2
Stories for the Soul, Reading for the Mind A well-curated classroom library is more than a collection of books—it is a space that inspires students to live out their faith through stories of compassion, service, and justice. Each title in this collection is thoughtfully chosen to support social teachings in an engaging, age-appropriate way.*
Stories of Virtue —Books that highlight honesty, generosity, perseverance, and forgiveness.
Encouraging Service —Stories that illustrate acts of kindness, helping others, and standing up for what is right. Guided Reflection & Discussion — Thought-provoking texts that help students explore how faith influences their actions.
Connecting to Social Teachings — Books that reflect the importance of caring for others, stewardship of the earth, and respecting human dignity.
* Developed in consultation with several archdioceses across the United States.
Redefine Independent Reading with the Seven Social Teachings Collection | 3
Building a meaningful classroom library is easy with this carefully selected collection of books that align with core values. Each grade level features 35* different titles per grade level, five for each theme. See Inside the Seven Social Teachings Collection
What’s Inside?
Grades K–5: 70 books per grade level (35 unique titles; 2 copies of each) Grade 6: 50 books total (25 unique titles; 2 copies of each)
One Teacher Resource Guide per grade level with lesson ideas, activities to deepen understanding, and support for guiding conversations Welcome letter and booklist
F r i
4
* Grades 5–6 include fewer titles.
The Seven Themes of Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person Highlight the inherent dignity of individuals, their personal stories, and the challenges they face. These books help students understand the sacredness of life and personal dignity, reflecting the social teaching of respecting all human life. Call to Family, Community, and Participation Show characters working together to improve their communities and emphasize the importance of family and participation in societal growth. These stories encourage students to see themselves as part of a larger community and recognize their role in contributing to the common good. Rights and Responsibilities Teach about civic duty and the responsibilities that come with individual rights. These books are valuable for instilling in students a sense of their rights and the importance of contributing to a healthy and just society through actions like voting and community engagement. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable Focus on stories of marginalized and vulnerable populations, showing how helping the poor and those in need is a moral duty. These titles align with the call to prioritize the well-being of the vulnerable in society. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers Tell the stories of workers fighting for their rights and making significant contributions to society. These titles emphasize a key component of this social teaching: the dignity of work and the rights workers should have. Solidarity Demonstrate the importance of standing with others, particularly in the fight for justice and equality. These books reflect the principle of solidarity, encouraging students to work toward unity and peace regardless of differences in race, culture, or background.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Care for God’s Creation Discuss environmental stewardship and the responsibility to care for the earth. These stories align with the theme of caring for creation, encouraging students to respect and protect the planet.
7
Redefine Independent Reading with the Seven Social Teachings Collection | 5
Life and Dignity of the Human Person 1
Title Selections: Roll with It , by Jamie Sumner, follows Ellie, a determined young girl with cerebral palsy who navigates a new town, a new school, and new friendships. It reveals that every person, regardless of ability or circumstance, is worthy of respect and care. My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay , by Cari Best, highlights the power of friendship, determination, and inclusion. Through Zulay’s journey as a blind student who dreams of running a race on Field Day, the story showcases perseverance and the support of a caring community. Classroom Ideas: Read-Aloud & Discussion: Encourage students to share a moment when they felt proud of who they are. Partner Reading: Have students discuss each other’s unique traits. Creative Expression: Ask students to draw or write about what makes them special.
B e and Me , Zulay
THE BRAILLE ALPHABET
a b c d e f g
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h i j k l m n
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o p q r s t u
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v w x y z
z
v
w
x
y
Cari Best Pictures by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Writing is next. This is what I type on my Brailler: One day I’ll run, and the wind will push me, and the sun will shine on me, and I’ll feel like a bird that opens her wings and flies. Only I’ll fly with my feet.
Today it’s Chyng’s turn to type her name on my machine. “The dots feel like goose bumps,” she tells me, and I laugh. “That’s how I read,” I say. “I see with my fingers.” Reading used to be hard before my hands learned the way. So was climbing a tree—and swimming. Because in the beginning, all I did was fall. And sink. And not want to do it like I don’t want to do that cane. “You’ll learn the cane, too,” Ms. Turner told me. But she never said it would be a cinch. I know she’s here now. My nose knows her Juicy Fruit and the smell of fresh outside.
This edition is only available for distribution through the school market.
scholastic.com
My3BestFrds_9781338851687_COV.indd 1
2/2/22 9:27 AM
15
14
My3BestFrds_9781338851687_INT.indd 14
11/01/22 11:09 AM
My3BestFrds_9781338851687_INT.indd 15
4/13/22 1:52 PM
Call to Family, Community, and Participation 2
Title Selections: Meesha Makes Friends , by Tom Percival, centers on Meesha, a shy character who learns to build connections and thrive within a supportive community. It underscores how nurturing relationships and active engagement can help individuals— and the entire community—flourish. Any Day with You , by Mae Respicio, weaves family bonds and traditions into a heartfelt narrative, illustrating how shared experiences deepen understanding of ourselves and others. It encourages readers to engage actively within families and communities, reminding them that everyone flourishes when we come together. Classroom Ideas: Classroom Read-Aloud: Start a conversation about what it means to be a supportive friend or family member. Community Map Project: Have students create a map of their own community (school, neighborhood, etc.) and discuss ways they can contribute. Book Club/Literature Circles: Use small-group discussions to talk about how family and community shape us and how we can give back.
6
Rights and Responsibilities 3
Title Selections: What Does It Mean to Be Kind? , by Rana DiOrio, is a simple yet profound story illustrating how everyday acts of kindness reflect our shared responsibilities toward one another. It shows how each person has the right to be treated with respect and reminds readers that safeguarding others’ rights goes hand in hand with practicing compassion and respect in our daily lives. Basher Money: How to Save, Spend, and Manage Your Moola! , by Jacob Field and Simon Basher, is a bright, child-friendly guide to personal finance that explains saving, spending, and giving in a way that resonates with young readers. It focuses on each person’s right to access and manage resources, as well as the responsibility to use them ethically and generously, and fosters a sense of justice and stewardship in children. Classroom Ideas: Partner Read & Reflect: After reading, let students brainstorm ways to show kindness or encourage others’ rights to learn. Writing Prompts: Ask students to write about a time they stood up for someone’s rights or fulfilled a responsibility. Role-Playing: Practice scenarios in which students show kindness or help each other succeed.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable 4
Title Selections: Kindness to Share from A to Z , by Todd and Peggy Snow, uses each letter of the alphabet to highlight small acts of generosity, encouraging readers to be mindful of those in need. It underscores our responsibility to reach out and uplift others. Manjhi Moves a Mountain , by Nancy Churnin, is based on a true story of unwavering determination, wherein Manjhi carves a path through a mountain to aid his struggling community. It reminds us of our calling to prioritize and actively support those who are most in need. Classroom Ideas: Reading Stations: Encourage students to discuss how small acts of kindness can create big changes. Service Project Brainstorm: Invite students to propose simple service ideas in their school or local area. Story Reenactment: In groups, retell Manjhi’s story to highlight perseverance.
Redefine Independent Reading with the Seven Social Teachings Collection | 7
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers 5
Title Selections: Brick by Brick , by Heidi Woodward Sheffield, follows a father and child as they celebrate the pride found in honest labor, emphasizing the value of every worker’s contributions. It highlights the importance of respecting all forms of labor and ensuring fair treatment for those who perform it. That’s Not Fair!/¡No es justo! , by Carmen Tafolla, uses a series of everyday scenarios to highlight the need for fair treatment of workers and communities, shining a light on the workplace. Classroom Ideas: Whole-Class Read-Aloud: Discuss the value of each person’s job and how everyone’s work contributes to society. Career Day Connection: Relate the stories to real-world examples of jobs within the community. Creative Presentation: Have students write or illustrate how they’d handle working conditions.
8
Solidarity 6
Title Selections: A Ticket Around the World , by Natalia Diaz, takes young readers on a journey across cultures, highlighting our shared humanity and promoting global awareness. Polar Bear Island , by Lindsay Bonilla, portrays a newcomer challenging a secluded polar bear community, illustrating how openness to others cultivates friendship and understanding. Classroom Ideas: Global Culture Stations: Have students “travel” between stations that feature different cultures and reflect on similarities. Group Reading & Discussion: Talk about accepting the strengths of our community. Pen Pal Exchange: Encourage letters or virtual connections with another classroom to practice solidarity in real time.
Care for God’s Creation 7
Title Selections: 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World , by Melanie Walsh, is a simple yet powerful resource, guiding children through practical actions that protect the environment and honor God’s creation. It reminds us how small everyday choices can make a big impact. Environmental Engineering , by Robert Snedden, explores technology and innovation aimed at preserving our planet. It encourages students to think critically about eco-friendly solutions and the responsibility we share in maintaining our world. Classroom Ideas: Individual Reading: Have students read silently and create an “Eco-Checklist” of actions they can take at home. Classroom Read-Aloud & Discussion: Brainstorm local projects—recycling, cleaning school grounds, etc. STEM Connection: Use the science-based title for a mini research project on renewable energy or pollution prevention.
Redefine Independent Reading with the Seven Social Teachings Collection | 9
Ready to bring deeper meaning to your classroom libraries?
For more information, call us at (800) 387-1437 or visit scholastic.com/socialteachings
5784-01 7/25
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs